Research Focuses on Engaging Patients in Health Care

The February issue of Health Affairs
explores the burgeoning field of activating and engaging patients in their
health and health care. Studies show that more informed and empowered patients
have better health outcomes, and there is some evidence that they also have
lower health care costs.

One study featured this month
found that patients with the lowest level of "activation"—that is,
those most lacking in the skills and confidence to be actively engaged in their
health care—had average costs that were 8 %-21% higher compared with patients
with the highest level of activation.